You guys rock! I just wanted to let you know that. I can't believe the response to this story. When I was approached to write it, I seriously was not sure if I could do it. I'm hoping I'm doing the idea justice. Anyway, here is the next chapter.
Cindy
Sam clunked the shot glass down on the bar and nodded his head toward it when the bartender looked his way. The bartender, a man looking to be in his late thirties grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels and filled the shot glass.
"Thanks," Sam murmured as he pushed a few bills toward the man. He held the shot glass in his hand, twirling it in his fingers, bloodshot hazel eyes staring intently at the amber liquid as it swirled in the glass. Finally, he lifted the shot glass to his lips and swallowed down the whiskey in one gulp. He was about to order another shot when he felt someone grasp his arm lightly. He slowly turned his head to see a young, attractive brunette standing beside him, head cocked to the side, dark eyes staring up at him seductively.
"Hey, handsome…buy me a drink?" the brunette asked coyly.
"Uh…yeah…sure," Sam said before motioning to the bartender.
The bartender prepared the young woman's drink and set it on the bar in front of her. "Thanks, Jimmy," the woman said as she lifted the drink from the bar and slipped the straw between her lips, dark eyes never leaving Sam's face. "So, I haven't seen you in here before…you just passing through?" she asked as she pressed her body up against Sam and slowly sucked on her straw.
"Yeah…just passing through," Sam answered with disinterest as he turned and tapped his shot glass again. Another shot was poured and soon it was burning Sam's throat.
"My name's Kaley…what's yours?" the woman asked, her body pushing against Sam, her intentions quite clear to the intoxicated hunter.
Sam glanced over at her then went back to staring at his empty shot glass. "Sam," he replied flatly.
The woman craned her neck to see Sam's face and smiled when he looked at her from the corner of his eye. "So…Sam…do you want to get out of here? Go to my place…get sweaty?" she asked.
Sam sighed and turned to face the young woman. "Look…while that sounds fun and all, 'm not really in the mood. I jush wanna have a few drinks an' be left 'lone," Sam slurred slowly.
The young woman pulled back and set her drink heavily down onto the bar. "Excuse me?" she exclaimed incredulously.
Sam shook his head and ordered another shot. "'m not in'erested," he said as he paid for his shot.
The woman put her hands on her hips and glared at the young hunter. "Have you seen me? You're going to pass this up? What…you think you're better than me or something?" she spat.
Sam shook his head again as he looked over at the angry woman. "No…'m not better'n you…not better'n anyone," he answered softly. "Jus' wanna be left 'lone to drink in peace," he added.
"Screw you, jerk!" the brunette hissed before turning and storming toward a group of men playing pool in the back of the bar.
Sam sighed as he lifted his shot to his lips and drank. He set the shot glass down and stared down at the bar. He ordered another, but before he had the chance to drink it, he was grabbed by the arm and jerked none too gently off his bar stool. He turned to see an angry face glaring at him. The face belonged to a man who stood at least two inches taller than Sam and who it seemed had double the bulk of the young hunter.
"You got a problem with Kaley, dickhead?" the enormous man hissed as he pulled Sam toward him. "Think you're too good for her?"
"Like I explained to the lady…not really in the mood," Sam said, the adrenaline now coursing through him helping to sober him slightly.
"Not in the mood, huh? Interesting," the hulk said contemplatively. He looked up at a man who had moved in behind Sam and cocked his head. "What do you think, Ed? Do you think he's just not in the mood?" he asked sarcastically.
"Nah, Pauly…I don't think that. You know what I think?" Ed answered, equally sarcastically.
"No, Ed…what do you think?" Pauly asked with a grin.
"I think the dude's gay…that's what I think," Ed replied.
"Really…gay, huh? Well, that would explain things," Pauly said.
"Ah, come on…'m not gay," Sam said as he rolled his eyes and tried to pull his arm out of Pauly's steel like grip.
"Then how do you explain the girly hair do?" Pauly asked. "And, passing up a chance with Kaley? Definitely gay," he added with a hiss.
"You two really need to tone down on the testosterone," Sam quipped.
Pauly glared at Sam then moved his attention to his friend. "So, Ed…what do ya say we show this a**hole what we do to faggots," he hissed sinisterly.
"Oh yeah, he definitely needs to learn a lesson," Ed answered excitedly. "Wonder if he bruises easily, like a peach," he added with a chuckle.
Sam knew at that moment he was in trouble and that his only chance was to hit first and to hit hard. Before either man knew what was happening, Sam swung his right fist and caught Pauly on the jaw. The large man lost his grip in Sam's other arm as he stumbled back, his eyes wide with surprise. Sam swung around and landed a punch to Ed's gut, the slightly smaller man doubling over as the air was forced from his lungs. Sam lunged forward and plowed into the still recovering man, knocking him into the table behind him. He brought his arm up, hand fisted and ready to strike when suddenly, his arm was grabbed and he was ripped off the struggling man. He was jerked around and before he had a chance to know what was happening, a fist slammed into his face knocking him back into the now standing Ed. Ed grabbed his arms and pulled them painfully behind his back. Sam fought, but before he could pull his arms free, Pauly landed another blow to his face followed by a punch to his gut. Sam's legs collapsed beneath him and it was only the arms that held him that kept him from hitting the floor.
Pauly grabbed the hair on the back of Sam's drooped head and yanked it up viciously. He leaned in close until they were face to face, a snarl curling his lip. "You fight pretty good for a fruit, but in the end you're still just a faggot and we don't like your kind around here," he spat. He nodded at Ed and the smaller man let loose of Sam's arms. Sam would have slid to the floor had it not been for Pauly's tight grip on his hair and the next thing he knew, he was bent over and a knee was being driven into his side with agonizing ferocity. Sam was let loose and he dropped to the floor with a thud. He gasped as he attempted to catch his breath, the hunter curling in on himself when fists and boots began to pummel him from every direction. It was apparent to Sam that others had joined in the melee. His world darkened as he began to slip away and soon, the darkness enveloped him and the pain went away and then he knew nothing.
sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn sn
Dean drove down the darkened street, green eyes ever vigilant on their search for Sam. "Dammit, Sammy…where the hell did you go?" he whispered to himself as he made a right turn onto the main drag in town. He passed several bars, but paid them very little notice. Sam wasn't one to drown his sorrows in alcohol, but then again, Dean thought, Sam wasn't the same little brother anymore. He reached the end of the 'bar district' and turned the Impala around then drove back down the street, this time his attention on the bars he'd ignored just moments before. As he passed the last bar, a rusted out green truck caught his eye and he slowed down to take a better look. "Bingo!" he exclaimed as he recognized the truck his brother had hijacked at Bobby's house.
Dean whipped the Impala into the parking lot beside the bar and parked next to the truck then exited the Impala. There were only a few other vehicles besides the one Sam had driven so Dean hoped he'd find his brother drunk and contemplative, but otherwise no worse for wear. When he stepped into the bar however his hopes were dashed as he saw several men punching and kicking a curled up man on the floor…a curled up man with shaggy brown hair and boots just like Sam's. Without a seconds hesitation, Dean screamed into the bar and tore the first man he came to off of his brother. One well placed punch later and the man was sprawled unconscious on the floor. Two more men dropped as they lunged for Dean then the hunter turned his focus on the two remaining men. One of the men's nose was swollen and bloody and Dean smiled to himself. "Way to go, Sammy," he whispered to himself as he inched his way around his brother to place himself between the two men and Sam.
"So, who the hell are you? The little faggot's boyfriend?" the biggest man sneered as he moved slightly to Dean's left.
"I'm his brother you piece of sh*t," Dean hissed back. "And nobody hurts my brother," he added with a growl.
Pauly paled slightly, but recovered quickly and glared defiantly at the enraged man before him. "So, what are you gonna do about it? You're brother's bigger than you and he went down like a marshmallow," he taunted.
Dean chuckled, his attention on both men though he only appeared to watching the one in front of him. "Well, it looks to me like he did a bit of damage, sport. Besides, I'm stone sober and pissed as hell. Like I said, nobody hurts my brother. Those that do fall and they fall hard," he hissed.
A slight movement to his right had Dean reacting on instinct. He grabbed the chair next to him and swung, catching Ed in the chin and driving him backwards into the bar. The man dropped to the floor in a heap and didn't move. Dean turned just in time to see Pauly lunging for him. He jumped to the side, but not fast enough to avoid being bulldozed into by the huge man. Both men went to the floor in a tangle of arms and fists, but Dean was the one who made it to his feet first. Pauly scrambled to his feet, but the second he was upright he was caught in the jaw by a strong upper cut. He was out before he ever hit the floor. Dean glared down at the man as he shook the pain from his hand. He spun around when he caught movement behind him, fist ready to do more damage. He stopped abruptly when he saw a young woman with brown hair cowering a few feet away, brown eyes large and filled with fear.
"I got a feeling you're the cause of all this…am I right?" Dean spat fiercely.
"I…I didn't know they'd hurt him…I…I…" the woman stammered.
"Sister, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. Let me guess, you came onto him and he turned you down so you got your buddies to get him back for you. Does that sound about right," Dean said as he stepped back and glanced quickly down as Sam began to stir.
The brunette's eyes widened as she stared ahead, but she said nothing. Dean shook his head and knelt down beside his brother. "Yeah, thought so. Sammy ain't the kind of guy you pick up in a bar. You knew exactly what would happen to him once you told your guard dogs here so don't play stupid with me. Now, get you're a** outa here before I break my vow to never hit a woman," he growled.
The young woman wasted no time in leaving the bar and Dean shook his head at the stupidity of some people. He glanced up over the bar and glared at the bartender who warily watched his every move. "So, you normally just watch as the locals beat people nearly to death?" he spat before turning his full attention onto his brother.
"I…I'm sorry, but I know better than to get in the middle of their fights," the bartender defended.
"Ever hear of calling the cops?" Dean snapped as he gently uncurled Sam and cupped his cheek. "Hey, Sammy…you need to wake up for me," he called softly before beginning to assess the damage to the younger hunter.
"Mmm…gah…" Sam moaned, his eyelids fluttering before they slowly opened to reveal dull, bloodshot eyes. One eye was a deep purple and was swelling fast and Dean knew by looking at it that it would be swollen shut before too long. He leaned over Sam and waited for the hazel eyes to focus. Finally, recognition spread across Sam's face and took a relieved breath. "Dean," he whispered as he leaned into his brother's touch.
"Sam, what is it with you? Why do you draw all the nasties to you?" Dean asked softly. "Do you think you can sit up?"
"Uh…yeah…I think so," Sam panted.
Dean nodded before slipping an arm beneath Sam's torso. He waited for Sam to give the okay then when Sam nodded he gently lifted his upper body up until Sam was sitting upright and leaning against Dean's chest. "We gotta get you outa here before these goons come to. Do you think you can stand?" Dean asked, voice filled with urgency and concern.
"Um…I don't know…I can try," Sam whispered and right then and there Dean knew he was hurting pretty badly. If he weren't, he'd huff and say that he was fine and to stop babying him. Dean looked up and over at the bartender then narrowed his eyes.
"Make yourself useful and help me get him up and out to my car," Dean demanded. He chuckled when the bartender jumped and ran from around the bar. The bartender moved to Sam's other side and grabbed him around the waist, pulling a quick gasp from the beaten hunter. "Easy with him!" Dean snapped angrily as he glared over at the smaller man.
"S-Sorry," the bartender stammered. He loosened his grip a bit then together, he and Dean lifted Sam from the floor. Once they had Sam up, Dean looked over at his brother's face. Sam was pale, a sure sign that he was hurting, but the younger man was trying as hard as he could to remain upright without putting too much weight on either of the men holding him.
"You good to start walking, Sammy?" Dean asked as he readjusted Sam's arm over his shoulder.
"Y-Yeah…lets go," Sam breathed out.
"Okay…easy. I don't want him falling," Dean said as he turned his attention to the man on Sam's other side.
The bartender nodded and together, he and Dean walked Sam out the side door of the bar and to the waiting Impala. "Wow…nice car," the bartender exclaimed as he saw the black beauty.
Dean glared over at him and shook his head. "Really? My brother's beaten nearly to death in your bar while you just watch and you're complimenting my car?" he hissed incredulously. "Shut up!"
"Sorry…I just thought…sorry," the bartender said softly.
"Just…shut up and help me get him into the car without damaging him any further," Dean spat.
The bartender swallowed as he looked over the angry green eyes that glared at him. He helped Dean ease Sam into the front seat then stood back as Dean lifted Sam's long legs into the car before carefully shutting the door. Dean turned and looked at the bartender. "Thanks for the help…and if the cops get wind of this you better make damn sure they know who started the fight 'cause if they come sniffing around Sammy, I'll be back here and you'll get the same treatment those a**holes just received," he warned.
"Don't worry…those jerks won't call the cops and I won't either," the bartender said.
"What about the girl?" Dean asked.
"No…she won't either. Not with what they're all into…they don't want the cops anywhere near them."
"Good," Dean quipped before hurrying around the Impala and climbing in behind the wheel. He started turned the key and the engine roared to life. The bartender watched as Dean peeled out of the parking lot then hesitantly turned to return to the bar. He really didn't want to go in there and face the men when they came to, but he couldn't leave the bar and it's till unattended either so he took a big breath then walked inside, counting his lucky stars that the scary man with the intense green eyes didn't pound him into oblivion like he'd done with the others.
Dean sped toward Bobby's place, the worried hunter glancing frequently over at his slumped passenger. Sam was conscious, but barely and all Dean wanted was to get his brother home where he and Bobby could properly assess the damage the gang at the bar had inflicted. Sam groaned as Dean hit a pothole in the street and Dean flinched at the pitiful sound.
"Sorry, Sammy…we're almost home then Bobby and I will take care of you," Dean said as he reached across the seat and gently patted Sam's arm.
"N-No…Bobby hates me…he threw the package away," Sam murmured as he looked up through chocolate colored fringe to stare at Dean with pain filled hazel eyes.
"Bobby doesn't hate you, Sam…he's worried about you. Would he be worried if he hated you? And, what package are you talking about? Did you get your head hit or something?" Dean rambled, his fear raising a notch at what could possibly be a head injury.
"The package…sent it before…Bobby…" Sam muttered, but fell silent and Dean glanced over worriedly to find that Sam had passed out.
"Dammit…Sammy? You need to stay awake until I can check you over," Dean called, but Sam remained still and silent. "Sam! Wake up!" Sam jerked at Dean's shout then glanced up and squinted at his brother. Dean breathed a sigh of relief and smiled over at Sam. "Stay awake until we get to Bobby's. I don't know if you have a concussion or not," he commanded.
"Bobby hates me," Sam whispered as he dropped his eyes and pulled his arm across his body.
"No he doesn't Sam…just stay with me for a little longer okay?" Dean said as he pushed the gas pedal down a little bit more.
Five minutes later and Dean was pulling up to the front porch of Bobby's house. The storm had since passed which Dean was considerably grateful for. He looked toward the house, but decided he didn't want to waste time getting Bobby to help him with Sam. He scrambled out of the car and hurried to Sam's door. He pulled the door open, his hand automatically reaching in to make sure Sam didn't tumble out onto the wet, cold ground. He patted Sam's shoulder and smiled when Sam turned his head and looked up at him.
"We're home, Sam. Let's get you into the house where it's warm okay? You can walk can't you?"
Sam nodded and reached for Dean's offered hands. Dean eased Sam out of the car then pulled his arm over his shoulder. He moved Sam away from the car then slammed the door shut. Slowly they made their way toward the porch then even more slowly ascended the steps. Sam stumbled once and nearly fell, but Dean held on tight and was able to keep them both on their feet. Finally, they reached the front door and Dean reached for the knob, but before he could turn it, the door swung open and Bobby was standing there with a very concerned look on his face.
"About time…" Bobby started, but when his eyes moved over to Sam he gasped. "What the hell happened to him!" he cried before quickly moving to Sam's other side and helping Dean maneuver the larger man through the open doorway.
"He got jumped at a bar downtown. I think they would've killed him if I hadn't shown up. They thought he was gay, Bobby," Dean explained as they moved Sam into the living room and gently laid him down on the couch.
"Why would they think he was gay?" Bobby asked as he stood back and watched Dean begin to remove Sam's jacket.
Dean looked up and shook his head with disgust. "From what I gathered, some chick came onto him and he turned her down. Guess that's all it takes around here," he answered.
"Yeah…got some backward thinkers around these parts," Bobby replied. "Well, let's get the kid checked over and get these cuts taken care of. I'll get the first aid kit."
Bobby turned to leave, but Sam's weak voice stopped him in his tracks. "Bobby? 'm sorry…I wish you didn't hate me…"
"Aww, kid…I don't hate you and it's me who should be apologizing, not you," Bobby replied, but Sam's eyes had closed and he wasn't sure if the young man had heard him or not. Well, he'd make sure he heard him after he woke up. Bobby turned again and headed for the kitchen where he kept his first aid kit. He returned to find that Dean had Sam stripped down bare on his torso and had his shoes off. They young man was already evaluating Sam's injuries. He looked up and smiled slightly as Bobby knelt down beside him.
"No bump on the noggin so I don't think he's got a concussion. He may have some cracked ribs though," Dean said as he went back to taking care of his brother. "Don't know what all that nonsense about a package being thrown away was all about," he added with a shake of his head.
Bobby glanced at Sam's bruised and battered face and nearly lost it. Sam was in this condition because he'd driven him away. He'd treated Sam as if everything that had happened was the kid's fault when he knew none of it was and now the kid was passed out on his couch, beaten to hell and thinking he hated him. He sighed as he gently rested his hand on Sam's leg.
"Uh…Dean…he wasn't talking nonsense. There was a package, but it didn't get delivered until a few weeks ago. I'd forgotten about it until you left to find Sam. Found it when I was putting the den back in order," Bobby said regretfully.
Dean looked over at him questioningly. "There is a package? He said you threw it away…what's he talking about?" he asked.
"He thinks I threw it away because when he first asked about it, I'd forgotten about the envelope I'd received. I was really busy and getting irritated…I told Sam that maybe it'd gotten thrown away," Bobby answered.
"But, you didn't throw it away…you say you found it?" Dean asked.
"Yeah…I did. I wish it had been delivered way back when it was supposed to have been then…"
"Wait…when was it supposed to be delivered?" Dean asked.
"Dean…he sent it the day before he threw himself into the pit. There was a letter for me and a letter for you," Bobby answered softly.
"Over a year ago? What happened to it? Why did it take so long to get here?" Dean cried as he looked down at his sleeping brother.
"The guy who delivered it said it got lost or some lame crap like that," Bobby replied.
"Did you read your letter?" Dean asked.
"Yeah…I did. Made me realize a few things, that's for sure," Bobby answered.
"What about mine? Where is it?" Dean asked nervously.
Bobby sighed and pushed up to his feet. "I'll get it for you," he said before leaving the room.
A few minutes later, Bobby returned and handed Dean the envelope. Dean looked at the writing on the outside and felt his stomach knot within him. Something bulky was inside and Dean was almost too afraid to open it. Bobby patted him on the shoulder then silently left him to open his letter in peace. Dean smiled gratefully at Bobby's retreating form before he carefully ripped open the envelope and looked inside. Tears immediately sprang to his eyes when he saw what Sam had sent him. He looked down at his brother and felt his heart swell. He reached down and tenderly brushed the hair from Sam's eyes then rested his hand on Sam's chest.
"You kept it, Sammy. After everything that happened, you still kept it," Dean whispered before pulling the amulet from the envelope and slipping it over his head so it could finally rest in the only place it was meant to be.
Dean swallowed deeply as he removed the letter next. He unfolded the paper and slowly began to read, the tears falling freely down his cheeks as his brother's torment and love was laid out before him in the scratchy scrawl of Sam's writings.
Well...it's back! But, gosh, poor Sammy. Sure hope he's gonna be okay. Please let me know what you think. I really love reading your comments and appreciate each and every one of them! Love to you all.
Cindy
